"Used by General Grant as a put-down during the Civil War but actually has its origin when Thomas was the cavalry instructor at West Point. The horses available at the Point in 1852 were very old and to keep the enthusiastic cadets from killing them, Thomas would shout 'Slow Trot, Slow Trot' to them during riding drill.

Thanks, calcav. I had thought it was from West Point but couldn't quickly verify so I weaseled out. Now. Was the appelation actually used by Grant? Is there anywhere a record that says Grant said "Slow Trot"? I know Grant and Sherman often thought him a bit sluggish, but they ever say "Slow Trot"?